To clarify the effects of different irrigation treatments in paddy field on rice gain quality, three irrigation methods, moistening irrigation (0 cm water depth), shallow water irrigation (1-2 cm water depth) and deep water irrigation (5-6 cm water depth), were established under field condition. In the experiment, rice gain physiochemical parameters including grain length, width, area and perimeter, amylose and protein contents and RVA profile characteristics of 3 rice cultivars (Shengdao 14, Shengdao 2572, Shengdao 18) with excellent quality were evaluated. Results showed that grain length, area and perimeter were significantly enhanced under shallow water irrigation when compared with the other two irrigation methods, while chalky rice rate and chalkiness performed conversely. Of all irrigation methods, moistening irrigation produced the highest peak viscosity and hot viscosity values, but deep irrigation produced the lowest peak viscosity, hot viscosity and final viscosity values. The breakdown, setback, consistence values and amylose content of rice grains of 3 varieties displayed disparate responses to the 3 irrigation treatments, largely due to the difference of genotypes. Shengdao 14 had the best eating quality under moistening irrigation and Shengdao 18 under deep irrigation. Correlation analysis indicated that RVA profile parameters were significantly related with apparent and physiochemical parameters. The relationship between apparent and eating quality was quantified by regression and pathway analyses, suggesting that grain area, perimeter and the ratio of grain length to width were the main factors controlling breakdown, the ratio of grain length to width was for setback, and grain protein and amylose contents for consistence.